Publishing Mythbusting: Production can be sped up

A perennial issue that crops up is authors misunderstanding how long production takes. Some seem to think it can be sped up, or that if they've delivered the manuscript late that we'll be able to make up the time. If the manuscript is late, then the publication date will be late too.

This isn't true but I think it might be due to a lack of understanding. I thought explaining the various stages, briefly, might help. But if you want a deep dive into what happens, read my previous article What goes on behind the scenes? 7. The Production process.

Do bear in mind that this is purely from a Pearson point of view and it may be different from other publishers. However, I think it's important to remember that we are focused on delivering quality and have developed a rigorous but fast process over many years. Over many years, we've honed these timescales and don't want to ask the team to rush these tasks as it can create errors. Do you want your book produced with quality or with speed?

So, for a typical first edition,?here's how long it takes:

• Initial assessment stage: 3-4 weeks
• Copyediting: 4 weeks
• Typesetting: 2-3 weeks?
• Proofreading stage: 4 weeks
• Proof amendments: 2-3 weeks?
• Revised proofs: 2-3 weeks
• Final checks and creation of printer files: 1-2 weeks
• Printing: roughly 20 days

As you can see, this comes to just over 5 months and assumes no delays.?If an author is late completing a task, or it takes longer to clear permission, or even if the printer is busy then this could take longer.

Sometimes it can be a little faster. If an author answer queries, or checks their proofs before their deadline, then we can shave off some time.

Was this mythbusting useful, and are there any other myths or beliefs you'd like to find out more about? Let me know!

The Pearson Business Book Club

The Pearson Business Book Club is open to all who would like to learn more about our business books or a particular topic, and the webinars are free to attend. You can also view the on-demand videos of previous sessions on the Book Club website.

Our Business Book of the Month in May is Speak Out, Listen Up by Megan Reitz and John Higgins. Their webinar is Psychological Safety - how better (not smoother) conversations can deliver at work. Join us on Thursday 23 May 2024, at 2 pm (UK time) and register at https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/higher-education/students/careers/book-club.html, and let me know if you have any questions in advance for Megan and John.

Just Published / Noteworthy books

Supercharged Leader: Develop your mind and skillset to deal with anything by Mandy Flint and Elisabet Vinberg Hearn (Pearson Business, 2024)

Which mindsets and skillsets do leaders need to develop now to be better equipped for the future? You need to build the Six Superchargers to hit the ground running and supercharge your leadership skills:

• STRATEGY – think and act strategically
• INCLUSION – create a workplace where everyone can contribute
• CONNECTIVITY – build people networks and connect digitally
• COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE – ignite brainpower and innovation
• LEARNING – draw non-stop learning from all results
• AGILITY – respond to change and create opportunities

Each chapter features a pre- and post-assessment so you can see how you’re progressing, and a mindset and skillset toolkit with practical solutions and ideas.

You can’t afford not to build these sustainable skills if you want to be better prepared for anything the future brings. Start reading today.

"In an uncertain business environment, this book suggests in a very practical way how to prepare, using the Six Superchargers." Tim Noble, CEO, Chambers and Partners

"A must-read for all leaders who want to thrive and be a successful leader in a fast-paced world. It’s thought-provoking, easy to read and practical. I highly recommend it!" Catharina Gehrke, Managing Director, ManyPets

Mandy Flint is an international leadership and cultural change strategist. An expert on leadership impact, teams and cultural behavioural change. She is CEO of Excellence in Leadership and works across the world delivering transformational change programmes and C-suite coaching.

Elisabet Vinberg Hearn is an international expert on leadership impact, teams and people-first digital transformations, operating as leadership strategist, speaker and executive coach. She is co-founder of Think Solutions and CEO of Katapult Partners. Elisabet has an MBA in Leadership & Sustainability and has recently studied Sustainability Management at Cambridge University and AI strategy at MIT CSAIL.

What am I reading?

I'm reading Emotional Labor: The Invisible Work Shaping Our Lives and How to Claim Our Power by Rose Hackman , and wow. It's fantastically researched, compelling and full of relatable stories. I think all men, particularly men in power should read this.

Finally

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for future newsletters? Did I strike a chord with anything in this newsletter? Is there a business book you've enjoyed recently that you'd recommend? Add a comment or email me at [email protected].